John Deere 318G vs John Deere 330G
Quick take: The John Deere 318G costs $19,000 less; the John Deere 330G has a higher rated operating capacity (3,000 vs 1,945 lbs); the John Deere 330G has more engine power (91 vs 65 hp).
| Spec | John Deere 318G | John Deere 330G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49,000 | $68,000 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (350) | 4.5★ (380) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 1945 lbs | 3000 lbs |
| Engine HP | 65 hp | 91 hp |
| Operating Weight | 6542 lbs | 9900 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 3890 lbs | 6000 lbs |
| Lift Height | 120 in | 132 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 18.5 GPM | 23 GPM |
| Engine | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Tracks | No | No |
| Vertical lift | Yes | Yes |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 2 yr / 2000 hr |
Pros & cons
John Deere 318G
- ✓Owners love the simplicity and durability of the G-Series — the Yanmar engine and straightforward hydraulics have a strong reputation for racking up hours without drama.
- ✓John Deere's dealer and financing network is massive, and ag-and-construction customers value being able to service the machine at the same dealer as their tractors.
- ✓The vertical lift path gives good dump height for a small frame, so operators can load trucks and stack pallets that radial machines struggle with.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package is easy to clean out, and operators in dusty or debris-heavy work specifically praise how it resists overheating.
- ✓The cab is comfortable with good visibility, and the optional sealed-and-pressurized cab keeps dust down for all-day comfort.
- ✓Deere's EH (electro-hydraulic) controls with adjustable response let operators dial in sensitivity, which newer operators find helps them run it smoothly.
- ✓Resale value on Deere skid steers is strong, and the green paint carries brand loyalty that helps at trade-in time.
- ✓The 318G's balance of size and capacity hits a sweet spot for residential landscaping where a bigger machine would be overkill.
- ✗At 1,945 lb capacity it's firmly a small-frame machine, and contractors doing heavier work often wish they'd stepped up to the 324G or 330G.
- ✗Deere parts pricing is on the higher side, and some owners feel dealer labor rates have crept up over the years.
- ✗The Yanmar engine, while reliable, uses a DPF that some operators find finicky with regen cycles during light-duty idling.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is modest, so demanding attachments really want the high-flow option, adding cost.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls have a learning curve and initially feel less direct than pilot or mechanical controls.
- ✗The small frame limits stability with heavy pallets at full reach, so operators must respect the load chart.
- ✗Attachment availability is good but the Deere-specific coupler options can add complications versus universal setups.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Kubota and New Holland often undercut it on sticker.
John Deere 330G
- ✓The 330G's 3,000 lb capacity and towering 132-inch lift height make it a truck-loading machine, and operators say it stacks and dumps with room to spare.
- ✓The 91 hp Yanmar engine delivers strong breakout and pushing force, and owners doing heavy dirt and material work praise its muscle.
- ✓Deere's massive dealer and financing network means service and parts are easy to arrange, especially for customers who also run Deere tractors.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package is easy to clean and resists overheating in dusty conditions, which operators in demanding environments value.
- ✓EH controls with selectable response let operators tune sensitivity, helping both precision grading and heavy production work.
- ✓The large frame and long wheelbase give a stable, planted feel when handling heavy pallets at full reach, reducing tippiness.
- ✓The cab is roomy and comfortable with good visibility, and the pressurized option keeps dust out for all-day comfort.
- ✓Deere skid steers hold resale value well, and brand loyalty in ag markets supports strong trade-in numbers.
- ✗Deere parts and dealer labor pricing is on the higher end, and owners note maintenance costs add up over the machine's life.
- ✗The Yanmar's DPF emissions system can be finicky with regen during light-duty idling, interrupting work.
- ✗At nearly 10,000 lb operating weight, trailering the 330G requires a heavier truck and trailer than smaller frames.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is adequate but demanding attachments really want the high-flow option, which adds cost.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls take a learning curve and feel less direct than pilot or mechanical setups.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Case and New Holland large frames can undercut it.
- ✗The large frame is overkill for tight residential work, so it's less versatile than a medium frame for varied job sites.
- ✗Fuel consumption under heavy load is higher than smaller machines, which owners factor into running costs.